Weingut Schauer sits on the steep slate hills of Kitzeck im Sausal in Southern Styria. This family operated estate focuses on cool climate wines grown at high elevations. The soil consists predominantly of red and grey slate, which gives the wines a distinct mineral character. Brothers Stefan and Bernhard Schauer manage the viticulture and winemaking, concentrating on precise interpretations of regional grape varieties.
What You Can Do
Visitors can book guided tastings inside the modern tasting room, which features large glass windows looking over the vineyards. Guided cellar tours explain the process of hand harvesting on slopes with inclines reaching up to seventy percent. The winery offers organized walks through the slate vineyards, allowing guests to observe the terrain directly before sampling the current vintages.
What They Offer
The portfolio centers on Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Weissburgunder, and Gelber Muskateller. Wines are classified by origin, ranging from regional bottlings to single site expressions from steep vineyards like Kircheneck and Gaisriegl. The estate provides comfortable guest rooms on site, decorated with minimalist wood finishings and neutral tones. Parking facilities are available for overnight guests.
Activities
The surrounding Sausal region is suitable for hiking along marked trails that wind through forests and steep vine rows. Bicycles can be rented nearby to explore the hilly landscape. The local wine museum in Kitzeck provides historical context about viticulture in the highest elevation wine village in the country. Thermal bath facilities in the broader region offer swimming options throughout the year.
Food to Eat
The estate operates a traditional Buschenschank tavern during select months. The menu emphasizes cold regional dishes, including smoked meats, house made spreads, local cheeses, and pumpkin seed oil specialties. Fresh sourdough bread comes from nearby local bakeries. For warm dining options, several traditional inns operate within a short driving distance in Kitzeck village.
Why Visit
Weingut Schauer combines sharp winemaking precision with clean modern guest facilities in a dramatic landscape. It provides an authentic view into Southern Styrian viticulture without unnecessary complexity.
The steep estate grounds require some careful footwork, and the tasting room schedule is reduced during winter months. However, the clear focus on slate soil white wines and the quiet atmosphere make this estate a highly rewarding stop in Southern Styria.